Hey guys. I picked up my 89 GSE500 last Saturday from my boss. Its got clip on bars and a fenderectomy done to it. Its stock as far as I can tell and is in pretty darn good shape. Not as good as some of the bikes I've been checking out, but I just started tearing into it.

A little history. The bike sat outside in a makeshift shed for a good number of years. It was covered in 2 layers of canvas and one gigantic tarp. I dug it out with my boss so I know exactly how it sat.

This is my first bike and I've been told its a good one to learn on. I plan on getting my motorcycle permit in the spring and I'm signing up for a motorcycle saftey course as soon as possible. So I've got all winter to improve the bike.

I've got the basics covered. I drained the crankcase and added new oil. The gas tank is empty since it all drained into the motor after sitting for so long. I got new plugs, air filter, oil filter. I plan on draining and cleaning the gas tank, possibly adding an inline fuel filter. I picked up a new battery and also had a new key cut for it.

Only question I have so far is other than the two bolts near the gas tank, how does the tank come off? Whats the best way to clean it out?

Any other advice I'd highly appreciate and try to bear with me. Look forward to frequenting the boards 

BTW- My name is Adam and I'm from CT.

Remove the 2 bolts connecting the tank 2 the frame under the seat than slide it off. You will still have to unhook the hoses from the tank but before you do so you would probably want to take a flathead and turn off the gas. If it hasnt had gas in it in 2 years theres a good possiblity that its rusted out.

Diaz

while you're at it, clean the carbs REAL good, lubricate the throttle and clutch cables,  put a new chain and sprocket kit on it too (sitting kills chains)   beyond that, check for dryrot on the tires, if they're alright you could be ok.

+1 on replacing the tires. just age makes them unreliable, but sitting ON the tires is a no no.

+1 on flushing the tank, engine oil, new filter.

+1 on the chain, but you can visibly look for rust.

don't forget to check the brake pads. they're about a 20 minute job to replace.

please don't think of the gs as a 'starter' bike. you can continue to enjoy it's CHEAP operation for a long time. with a few cheap upgrades (springs, tires, rear shock) you can enjoy a light, cheap, quick machine for touring, commuting, adventures etc and not break the bank. she'll treat you right provided you do the same. did i mention dependable ?

do yourself  a favor and search for 'fuel starvation' and rectify that before you start riding. you'll appreciate not stalling in rush hour traffic

welcome to the forum , ride safe

My bike sat for 10 years  A good tank cleaning, carb cleaning, oil change, new plugs, new battery and you should be good to go  I would replace the fuel lines as well and ad an inline filter. as far as cleaining the tank, that all depends on how bad it is. It may be a good idea to look into buying a re-line product like KREM or POR  As far as new chain and sprockets I disagree... If they look good they are good  just clean it well and lube it unless its rusted and stiff, you should be fine.

Congrats on the purchase  A little work and you should be on the road in no time 

Welcome to the forum.. Congrats on your first motorcycle. Pick up a repair manual if you haven't yet.. they will most likely help you out. I think you can actually purchase the Clymer manual through this site.
Where in CT are you from? I'm a CT-er as well

Quote from: Yev on December 16, 2007, 07:54:11 PM
Welcome to the forum.. Congrats on your first motorcycle. Pick up a repair manual if you haven't yet.. they will most likely help you out. I think you can actually purchase the Clymer manual through this site.
Where in CT are you from? I'm a CT-er as well

I'm from Suffield. I just picked up a Clymer manual this weekend

ya found it.  Saw your post on the other forum.  Good Luck! between our manual and all the people here, youll be in good shape

Quote from: Ski1215 on December 16, 2007, 09:38:24 PM

Quote from: Yev on December 16, 2007, 07:54:11 PM
Welcome to the forum.. Congrats on your first motorcycle. Pick up a repair manual if you haven't yet.. they will most likely help you out. I think you can actually purchase the Clymer manual through this site.
Where in CT are you from? I'm a CT-er as well

I'm from Suffield. I just picked up a Clymer manual this weekend

Cool.. this site is great for GS owners.. you'll find it very helpful.